Module 01: Kinematics – Describing Motion
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Theme A.1: Kinematics Checklist
IB Physics SL — Official Syllabus Alignment & Assessment Objectives
How to use this checklist: Review each learning objective during your study. Mark [✔] when you can comfortably solve exam-style questions. Pay close attention to the Command Terms, as they dictate how marks are awarded in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Syllabus Coverage & Assessment Objectives
v = Δx / Δt, a = Δv / Δt
Displacement, Velocity & Acceleration
- Define displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
- Distinguish between scalar (distance, speed) and vector (displacement, velocity) quantities.
- Determine instantaneous and average values from x-t, v-t, and a-t graphs.
- Calculate displacement using the area under a v-t graph.
v = u + at, s = ut + ½at²
Uniformly Accelerated Motion (SUVAT)
- Select and apply the SUVAT equations to solve 1D motion problems.
- Identify situations where acceleration is not constant (where SUVAT equations cannot be applied).
- Derive kinematic equations algebraically or graphically.
v_x = u cos θ, v_y = u sin θ
Projectile Motion (2D Motion)
- Analyze two-dimensional motion by resolving initial velocity vectors into horizontal and vertical components.
- State and apply the independence of horizontal (a_x = 0) and vertical (a_y = -g) motions.
- Determine maximum height, time of flight, range, and final impact velocity vector.
- Describe the qualitative effect of air resistance on the trajectory of a projectile.
Conceptual & Graphical Analysis
Fluid Resistance & Terminal Velocity
- Explain how falling objects reach terminal velocity (F_drag = W ⇒ a = 0).
- Interpret and sketch a-t and v-t graphs for motion subject to fluid resistance.
Command Terms Reference
State: Give a specific name, value, or other brief answer without explanation.
Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept, or physical quantity.
Calculate: Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.
Determine: Obtain the only possible answer (often by reading from a graph or calculation).
Sketch: Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labeled axes, key points, correct shape).
Explain: Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.IB Physics SL – Theme A.1 Kinematics Checklist (1)